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Follicle Definition

A follicle is a small, sac-like structure that contains an egg. It provides a safe environment for the egg to develop in. The egg develops and matures inside the follicle until it is released during ovulation. The follicle itself is located within the ovary, and when an egg is mature, the follicle ruptures and releases the egg into the fallopian tube. From there, it makes its way down to the uterus where implantation and pregnancy can occur. Follicles are also […]

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Anus Definition

The anus is a short, tubular structure that serves as the exit for the gastrointestinal tract. It is located at the junction of the rectum and the sigmoid colon. It is a muscular tube about 20 cm long and 2.5 cm in diameter, lined with mucous membrane. The mucous membrane is covered with epithelium, which is continuous with the lining of the anal canal. The main function of the anus is to allow for the expulsion of feces. The word […]

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Nipple Confusion Definition

Nipple confusion is a term used in the pregnancy and birthing industry to describe the situation where a baby has difficulty latching onto a nipple for breastfeeding. This can be due to the baby’s preference for a bottle, or due to an incorrect latch. Nipple confusion can lead to poor milk transfer causing the baby to become frustrated and cry when trying to breastfeed, and may even cause the baby to refuse to breastfeed altogether. Causes of Nipple Confusion There […]

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Regional Anesthesia Definition

Regional anesthesia is a type of pain relief that numbs a large area of your body by blocking the nerves that carry pain signals from the surgical site to your brain. It’s also called a nerve block or perioperative nerve block.  Types of Regional Anesthesia There are several types of regional anesthesia, including:  Epidural anesthesia: This type of anesthesia numbs the lower half of your body by injecting medication into an area outside the spinal cord in your lower back.  […]

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Recommendation Definition

Recommendation, as used in the pregnancy and birthing world, is a term that refers to the act of suggesting or recommending something. It also denotes a course of action or a set of guidelines that are suggested by an expert panel or an individual to pregnant women and new mothers. It is usually done by healthcare professionals in order to help pregnant women make informed decisions about their pregnancy and childbirth.  Recommendations can be based on scientific evidence or on […]

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Zidovudine Definition

Zidovudine, also known as AZT, is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) used as an antiretroviral drug in the treatment of HIV/AIDS, especially in preventing mother-to-child transmission in utero, during labor or birth, and after delivery due to breastfeeding. Zidovudine was the first antiretroviral drug to be approved for use in the United States, and was approved by the FDA in 1987. It is still widely used today, both alone and in combination with other antiretroviral drugs. Zidovudine is a […]

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Areola Definition

The term areola (or aréole) comes from Latin, meaning “small open space.” An areola is a small circular area on the body with a different histology from the surrounding tissue. The term is most often used to refer to the pigmented area on the human breast around the nipple (areola mammae), but can also refer to  other parts. In anatomy, an areola is a small circular area on any surface including the scalp around hair follicles, the base of fingers […]

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Demerol Definition

Demerol is a brand name for the synthetic opioid pain medication meperidine. It is classified as a narcotic analgesic, and is typically used to relieve moderate to severe pain. It is also used during labor and delivery to help with pain relief. Demerol works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord. This reduces the amount of pain signals that are sent to the brain.  Side Effects The most common side effects of Demerol include drowsiness, dizziness, […]

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Reassessment Definition

Reassessment is a routine and essential part of pregnancy care. It allows the care team to monitor the progress of the pregnancy and the health of the mother and baby, identify any complications that may have arisen since the last assessment, and make necessary adjustments to the care plan. Reassessment may also be used to determine the best course of action for the remainder of the pregnancy and delivery. This may include making changes to the mother’s diet or activity […]

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Malpresentation Definition

Malpresentation is a term used in the pregnancy and birthing industry to describe a fetus that is not in the correct position for delivery. The most common type of malpresentation is breech presentation, where the fetus is positioned bottom-first instead of head-first. Malpresentation can also refer to a fetus that is positioned sideways (transverse presentation) or with the head pointing backwards (posterior presentation). While malpresentation can sometimes be resolved without intervention, it often requires medical intervention in the form of […]